Can a car collection truly be diverse if every vehicle proudly wears the same three-pointed star badge? While perhaps not as visually contrasting as a garage housing both a compact city car and a rugged SUV, I firmly believe that within a single marque, particularly one as storied as Mercedes-Benz, a remarkable range of driving experiences, styling nuances, and emotional connections is absolutely achievable. For me, that marque is unequivocally Mercedes-Benz. Currently, my passion has manifested into a collection of six Vintage Mercedes Cars.
My deep-seated interest in automobiles has been a lifelong affair, stretching back to a point beyond my clearest memories. Despite residing in France, my automotive affections have long been drawn to Teutonic engineering and design. If I were to pinpoint the genesis of my Mercedes-Benz loyalty, I would have to credit my father. A young car enthusiast shaped by his dad – a familiar narrative for many! He owned a W201 Turbo Diesel during my formative years, and I vividly recall immersing myself in research about the “Baby Benz” history. I was captivated by its aesthetic appeal, its rich racing heritage – including that legendary one-make race where a young Ayrton Senna famously outmaneuvered seasoned champions in a Cosworth-powered version on a rain-soaked track – and the sheer breadth of models encompassed within the 190 designation.
My own “Cosworth” materialized in the form of a 2.3-liter variant of the iconic 16-valve inline-four engine, even mirroring Senna’s car in color. Owning this car has been an absolute pleasure, a symbiotic relationship of mutual respect and care. While I may not possess Senna’s Formula 1 prowess, I still relish the occasional controlled drift on rain-slicked country roads. It’s on these winding routes, amidst the gentle rolling hills, that I truly find driving fulfillment in this vintage Mercedes-Benz.
My appreciation for the W201 chassis extends so deeply that I’ve acquired two more of these vintage Mercedes-Benz models. One, a sleek black example, has undergone a significant powertrain upgrade – a 3.0-liter straight-six engine replacing the original 2.6-liter unit. Furthermore, I’ve enhanced its aesthetics with a body kit borrowed from the Cosworth 190E, upgraded the suspension with Bilstein B6 dampers, and fully embraced the sharp-edged 80s styling with a set of iconic Brabus Monoblock II wheels. This particular vintage Mercedes car is dedicated to track days, and it has seen its fair share, including a memorable trip to the Nürburgring Nordschleife this past spring. The day was fantastic, albeit punctuated by a generator failure that led to a rather stressful 300-kilometer drive home powered solely by the battery. My most recent W201 acquisition, a Turbo Diesel reminiscent of my father’s, isn’t pictured here, but it’s destined for frequent use.
Predating my W201/190E acquisitions was the W123 280, my inaugural vintage Mercedes car. The story of this car began with a new neighbor. Shortly after he moved into town, our conversations naturally gravitated towards cars, and inevitably, to Mercedes-Benz. He recounted owning a low-mileage 280 sedan and his predicament of limited garage space in Belgium, coupled with his son’s (incomprehensible!) disinterest in the vehicle. Recognizing my genuine enthusiasm, he offered me ownership on the condition that I “Restore it, but don’t sell it.” And just like that, I became the custodian of a rusty yet functional W123 – for free!
Honoring my commitment, I embarked on restoring the W123, transforming it into an AMG tribute. The corrosion was addressed meticulously with professionally welded new metal panels, followed by a respray. It was during this process that I decided to pay homage to one of my cherished 80s icons – the powerful V8-equipped AMG W123s. While my version doesn’t boast the same raw power – its performance aligns more closely with the Moroccan taxi variant of the W123 spectrum – the carbureted engine remains remarkably enjoyable to drive. It’s incredibly smooth and delivers ample torque for everyday driving. Beyond the paintwork, I’ve added rear window louvers, 16” Rial wheels, and a distinctive BBS front spoiler to complete the AMG-inspired aesthetic of this vintage Mercedes.
Another passion of mine is vintage bicycles, and this is where my S124 wagon truly shines. This is my 1991 300 TE 4-Matic, and it’s almost always seen with one of my bicycles mounted on top. I also have a keen interest in film photography, and with its capable four-wheel-drive system – arguably more sophisticated than the contemporary Audi Quattros, offering three distinct modes: a 30/70 torque split, a 50/50 distribution, and a third with a locking differential – my S124 vintage Mercedes wagon can confidently take me wherever I need to capture the perfect shot. It’s a vehicle of immense practicality, and I strive to utilize its versatility as often as possible. It has served me, and countless loads carried within, exceptionally well.
Finally, we arrive at the newest addition to my vintage Mercedes-Benz collection: my 1995 R129 280 SL Mille Miglia edition. Limited to just 630 examples, owning any vintage SL, let alone a rarity like this, has been a long-held aspiration. Now realized, the experience is every bit as enjoyable as I had envisioned. I find myself constantly reflecting on the illustrious lineage of SL models that preceded this car. Bruno Sacco’s design is timeless in my eyes, but beyond aesthetics, its driving characteristics are simply superb. While not a sports car in the purest sense, it excels as a blissful grand tourer, a fact reaffirmed by a recent 800-kilometer journey to the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.
My name is Maxence Benoist, I am 26 years old, and I can already attribute so many of the positive aspects of my life to a single automotive brand. From career opportunities to enduring friendships and unforgettable journeys, the three-pointed star of Mercedes-Benz has consistently guided my path.
